Introduction- Below are examples of virtual field trips that coincide with the 7th Grade Medieval Europe Unit in the Maryland Curriculum for Social Studies.  These interactive field trips allow students to access the history, people and architecture of the Medieval Period from the classroom. 

The Dark Ages -Meet key people who influenced the Middle Ages.  Examine major battles and war strategies and discover how castles were used to protect Lords and Kings.  Discover how the feudal system influenced the daily lives of monks, knights, and common people.  Find out about medieval games, cathedrals and other architecture AND MORE!!! 
This expansive site covers MANY aspects of the Dark Ages or Middle Ages.   Date accessed 10/29/04http://www.tramline.com/tours/ss/darkages/_tourlaunch1.htm

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Castles of the Medieval Ages -In this "field trip", students will tour castles from the Medieval Period and discover how they were used for defense.  Students will also learn vocabulary words associated with castle life as well as the structure of a typical castle.  Students can also find links to other castles in Europe, a heraldry game while they can also learn how to create shields and their own Medieval-styled castle!!  Date accessed 10/29/04  http://www.uen.org/utahlink/tours/tourFames.cgi?tour_id=15240

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Warwick Castle- Students can learn more about the parts of Medieval castles by examining the features of Britain's Warwick Castle!! Simply click on a portion of the castle, such as the chapel or the Great Hall to unveil stunning pictures and the history of each castle feature selected.  Explore the rich history that Warwick Castle has to offer with a timeline that goes back to the 11th Century.  Also, students can see how the Warwick Castle is currenty being used.  This field trip is great for students doing a research project on Medieval Castles, or students building a castle model/creating a castle blueprint. 

Date accessed:  10/30/04 http://www.warwick-castle.co.uk/warwick2004/tc_explore_castle.htm

 

 

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Westminster Abbey-Discover the beauty of this beautiful piece of British architecture
that dates back to 1065 A.D.  Click on Abbey Tour to find an interactive map which takes you to on a tour through different parts of the abbey with pictures and historical information.  There is also an interesting link to the history behind major stained glass windows within the Westminster Abbey.  Then, click on Panoramic views to access a 360° view within many parts of the abbey.  This site works very well with students who are learning about the features of cathedrals in Europe.   Date accessed: 10/30/04 http://www.westminster-abbey.org/